A proposal from Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham would broaden the definition of “gambling device” in the state to include any vending or electronic machine that awards credits and, following an amendment this week, online sweepstakes platforms.
Senate Bill 1705 Saw Movement In The Illinois Senate Gaming, Wagering, And Racing Committee
Although Cunningham filed Senate Bill 1705 on Feb. 5, the bill did not see any movement in the Illinois Senate Gaming, Wagering, and Racing Committee until April 2. On that date, Cunningham added an amendment to the bill and submitted that amendment to three other committees in the Illinois Senate.
If the bill becomes law, it could make operating a sweepstakes casino illegal in Illinois, as well as other gambling-related products such as “skill machines.”
This measure amends the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Video Gaming Act. It would also remove a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012.
New Definition Of Gambling Device
The new definition of “gambling device” in the Prairie State would include:
“[Any] machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere.”
The bill goes to state, “Provides that participants in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate shall not be convicted of gambling except where participation in such game of skill or chance is accomplished using a gambling device prohibited by these changes to the definition.”
An offense involving such a gambling device without a license would be treated as a Class 4 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of as many as three years but no fewer than one year and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
Illinois Gaming Board Is Cracking Down On Unlicensed Operators
The Illinois Gaming Board has issued cease-and-desist letters to the following unlicensed online gaming operators in violation of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act (230 ILCS 45) and Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/28-1(a):
- betanysports.eu (02/11/2025)
- BetOnline.ag (02/11/2025)
- betus.com.pa (02/11/2025)
- Bookmaker.eu (02/11/2025)
- Crypto.com (04/01/2025)
- Drafters, Inc. d/b/a drafter.com (02/11/2025)
- Harp Media B.V d/b/a Bovada.lv, Bovada.com, Bovado.com (02/03/2025)
- heritagesports.eu (02/11/2025)
- KalshiEX LLC d/b/a Kalshi (04/01/2025)
- parlayplay.io (02/11/2025)
- Robinhood (04/01/2025)
- Talid Sports, Inc. d/b/a chalboard.io (02/11/2025)
At least seven other states have active legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos.